The invention describes novel substituted
aryl compounds that are
cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors and novel compositions comprising at least one
cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases
nitric oxide, stimulates endogenous synthesis of
nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of
endothelium-derived relaxing factor or is a substrate for
nitric oxide synthase, and / or, optionally, at least one therapeutic agent, such as, steroids, nonsterodal anti-inflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-
lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors,
leukotriene B4 (LTB4)
receptor antagonists,
leukotriene A4 (LTA4)
hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H2 antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents,
thrombin inhibitors,
thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible
nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics,
Helicobacter pylori inhibitors,
proton-pump-inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures thereof. The invention also provides novel kits comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one nitric
oxide donor, and / or, optionally, at least one therapeutic agent. The novel
cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitors of the invention can be optionally nitrosated and / or nitrosylated. The invention also provides methods for treating
inflammation, pain and fever; for treating and / or improving the gastrointestinal properties of COX-2 selective inhibitors; for facilitating
wound healing; for treating and / or preventing renal
toxicity or other toxicities; for treating and / or preventing other disorders resulting from elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2; and for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors.